Washington, DC

DC Government Partners with 100,000 Opportunities Initiative to Connect Young People to Employment Opportunities

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Bowser welcomed participants at the 100,000 Opportunities Hiring Fair, a day-long event that includes sessions on resume building, assistance in creating a LinkedIn profile, and workplace styling tips. Companies also provided applicants with on-the-spot interviews and job offers. The Mayor was joined at the event by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Department of Employment Services (DOES) Director Odie Donald II, and other federal and local officials.

“For the past two and a half years, my Administration has made improving our workforce programs and getting more young Washingtonians connected to training and employment opportunities a top priority,” said Mayor Bowser. “Today, we are proud to bring together business and civic leaders from across the city to open up doors of opportunity for our young residents.”

The 100,000 Opportunities Initiative is the nation’s largest employer-led coalition committed to creating pathways to employment for opportunity youth – 16-24 year-olds who are neither in school nor employed. Washington, DC was chosen as a partner city because of its diverse and inclusive workforce, focus on youth employment, and access to global companies. The initiative, which focuses on recruiting and hiring youth from the most underserved communities, has already connected more than 100,000 young people to jobs in cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle, and Dallas.

“We have an opportunity to provide multiple pathways to the middle class for District youth,” said Director Odie Donald II. “Partnerships and programs like the 100K Opportunities Initiative and the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program allow young Washingtonians to participate in, and benefit from, our full array of resources and ensure in-demand employers and jobs are connected to qualified youth here in the District.”

Since coming into office, Mayor Bowser has made expanding employment and educational opportunities for young Washingtonians a top priority. In 2015, the Mayor expanded the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program to include young people ages 22-24, a change that became permanent this year. Additionally, this year, the Administration launched a series of programs and initiatives that will get more young residents on pathways to the middle class, including: Solar Works DC, DC Quick Path to Energy, the DC Infrastructure Academy, and Apprenticeship DC.